Printing telegraph system



March 15, 1938. H, yI N|CHOL5 2,111,154

` PRINTING TELGRAPH SYSTEM Filed OCT.. 27, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 /N VEN TOR Y *5125 7-52 1000.00.56-80 j BY :Le

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ATTORNEYS March 15,- 193s. H, J, lNICHOLS 2,111,154

PRINTING TELEGRAPH SYSTEM Filed 0st. 27, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 j. $41k l, l es /NI/ENTOK A TTORNE YS Patented Mn. 15, 193s PBINTIN G TELEGRAPH SYTEM Harry J. Nichols, Dayton, Ohio, assignor to Iniernational Business Machines Corporation, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application October 27, 1934, Serial No. 750,285

`21 Claims.

This invention relates to a printing telegraph system and particularly to a printing telegraph system for the transmission'of statistical information and the like.

The invention is described. mainly with reference to a system for the telegraphic transmission of the essential information on bank credits, but it is generally applicable to the transmission of such data as can be initially transcribed in the form of marks placed on or holes punched into cards in predetermined coded similar space relationship, in general form to the well known tabulating card.

It is the principal object to provide a system for the transmission of intelligence of the character of arbitrary indications arranged in predetermined coded position on a record card or the like.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a method and apparatus whereby statistical information, comprising for example mainly numetal groups with such ilgures and signs as may be required to render the numeral groups intelligible, may be transmitted and reproduced at a distance by electrical means with perfect accuracy and great rapidity.

It is a further object to provide a system adapted to eifect the rapid, economical, and safe exchange and clearance of bank credits by telegraphic methods.

Other objects and features will be in part obvious and in part hereinafter pointed out in connection with the following description, the accompanying'drawings, and the appended claims.

In the drawings:-

Fig. 1 shows a form of record card adapted for use in connection with the invention.

Fig. 2 shows the record card of Fig. 1 in position for scanning.

Fig. 3 shows schematically in cross-section the automatic transmitter forming a part of the invention.

Fig. 4 shows in schematic form the electrical circuits of the transmitter shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a detailed view of the switching mechanism by which proper scanning of the record card is secured.

Fig. 6 shows in schematic form the general arrangement of the mechanism of the reprinter.

Fig. 7 shows in schematic form a diagram of electrical circuits of the reprinter, the series of cams of Fig. 6 being shown in exploded view in order to clarify the diagram.

Fig. 8 is an end view in part section of the mechanism of Fig. 6, illustrating particularly the printing mechanism.

Fig. 9 shows in end view details of the mechanism by which the typewheel of Fig. 6 is shifted to change the case of printing.

Fig. 10 shows a section of the printed tape indicating the form in which the received information is presented; and

Fig. 11 shows a modification of the arrang ment of Fig'. 3.

In the several figures, like characters represent like parts.

The present invention provides for the transmission of intelligence of any desired sort, but is arranged more particularly for the transmission of statistical data. For example the invention provides a system for the transmission of any of the types of infomation commonly contained on tabulating cards and the like. In such cards the information is arranged in the form of arbitrary indications coded according to their position on the card. The indications may be in the form of holes punched into the cards or in the form of marks of contrasting color or reflection characteristics with respect to the remainder of the card.

As a particular application the invention may be applied to the transfer of credit, as between banks or similar institutions. In accordance with the existing practice, credit is transferred largely by way of the mail necessitating a material time during which the credit is in large part lunavailable to any party. 'I'his credit in course of transfer is termed the float, and involves a loss of income of quite material proportions. In accordance with the present invention the "float can be materially reduced by a rapid, accurate and inexpensive written communication transferring credit. The invention accordingly is described with reference to such a system, for illustrative purposes. The system is further described in detail as using record cards in which the data is in the form of punched holes in the card but it is evident that it is equally applicable with slight modification for use with cards where the data is ln different forms, such as contrasting color or the like.

Referring now to Fig. 1, a special form of draft or acceptance adapted to the purposes of the invention is shown, although it is to be understood that the record card used for transmission may have any form suitable w the transaction or data to be transmitted. In the present instance, for illustrative purposes, it is assumed that a particular bank whose code number is 56-30 wishes to transfer credit of one thousand dollars to another bank whose code number is '7-82. Bank 56-30 has prepared a record card as shown, duly filled out on one part, then coded as shown in a suitable card punching machine on the remain- 'ing part, and after verification and recording,

has been signed by the proper official if so desired. The essential information, such as identifying number of transferor and transferee, the amount of the transfer, and the serial number of the transfer itself if desired, are thus recorded in punched holes. The completed card is placed in the transmitter, and by means not shown is brought to a predetermined position for transmission.

The coded information is recorded in a part of the card termed the field, and is arranged in vertical columns, and in horizontal levels or lines in the manner of the well known tabulating card. The position of each punched hole represents a numeral or its associated sign, with an additional line in each column in which a shift operation for the selection of signs is recorded, thus providing twenty characters in all. The blank space at the top of the card represents-the scanning interval in which a synchronizing signal is transmitted. The field may be blank, or may be printed to in dicate the interpretation of the coded positions, thus permitting of visual verification.

Referring now to Fig. 2, the record card I is shown in position for scanning, such scanning forming part of the transmission process. The coded field of the card is immediately over scanning belt 2 of the transmitter, presently to be described. The scanning belt is provided with a :series of scanning holes 2a, one for each column of the field, arranged in echelon, being separated along the length of the belt by a distance equal to the height of the record card, and across the width of the belt by a distance equal to the median distance between columns on the card. The belt, which is endless, is provided with a single registry hole 2b, and along one or both margins with a continuous series of equally spaced driving holes 2c. The belt is driven in uniform continuous motion by a sprocket wheel in the direction shown. It will be apparent that in one complete revolution of the belt, the scanning holes will pass in proper sequence under each of the vertical columns of. the record card.

Referring to Fig. 3, the scanning mechanism has for its main elements a light source I, alight reactive device or photo cell I2, scanning belt 2, and the drive means therefor. Light source II is suitably mounted in a reflector I3 which directs the light in a parallel beam upon the code field of record card I and towards photo-cell |2. Photo-cell I2 is mounted at the focus of parabolic reflector I4 so as to receive the maximum of light on its sensitive surface. At the instant a scanning hole is coincident with a hole in the card, a beam of light passes from the light source to the photo-cell, energizing the latter, and by means later to be described, causing a signal impulse to be transmitted. Thus by the passage of the scanning belt beneath the card, timed impulses are transmitted in accordance with the information coded in the punched holes of. the record card.

Scanning belt 2 is driven at a uniform rate by a sprocket wheel I5, which in turn is driven by a motor (not shown). 'I'he scanning belt is held taut in position by idler pulleys Iib. A transparent table is shown as supporting record card I, but this table is optional, the card being supported directly by the scanning belt if preferred.

Sprocket wheel I! is provided with a cam Il fixed on one end of its shaft, this cam being provided with a single risc or lobe |8a which closes contacts I9 momentarily once during each revolution of sprocket wheel I5. As will be more fully described hereinafter, the closing of contacts I9 generates the synchronizing signal which is transmitted over the line to the receiving apparatus for synchronizing purposes. The effective circumference of sprocket wheel is exactly equal to the height of the record card, hence a synchronizing signal is sent out for each traverse of the card by a scanning hole. The scanning belt is so placed in the sprocket that the synchronizing signal is sent to the line at a time when the scanning holes pass the blank margin of the card. Hence the synchronizing signals do not interfere with the printing signals, and vice versa.

Since the scanning belt is preferably kept in continuous motion, means are provided to ensure that the card will always be scanned in the proper order, that each card will be scanned but once, and that false signals will not be sent to the line when the card is being moved into or out of position, or in the absence of a card. The means for accomplishing these various safeguards comprise a card switch 2 I, shown in Fig. 4, and an automatic sequence switch 22 shown in Figs. 4 and 5.

Card switch 2| is connected in a circuit comprising battery 23, lift magnet 24, and a reading condenser arrangement comprising capacitor 25 and resistor 26 in parallel. T'he contacts of card switch 2| are normally closed, but when a card is fully inserted and in position for scanning, the card slips between the contacts of card switch 2|, breaking the circuit including the winding of lift magnet 24.

Referring now to Fig. 5, sequence switch 22 is mounted on lever 3|, and its contacts are normally open as shown` Lever 3| is pivoted about axis 32, and carries at its free end star wheel 33 and a double lobed cam 34 fixed to the shaft of star wheel 33, their common shaft being journailed in lever 3 I. Sprocket wheel I5 has a cylindrical barrel in which are machined spaced longitudinal grooves or flutes as shown. These grooves are adapted to catch the points of star wheel u when the register hole 2b in scanning belt 2 passes underneath the star wheel. The belt normally prevents the star wheel from being engaged by the flutes in the barrel of the sprocket wheel, but once each revolution the aforementioned register hole permits one point of the star wheel to drop into engagement with the barrel of the sprocket wheel. The register hole is located in the scanning belt in such relation to the scanning holes that the first scanning hole is just entering on its traverse of the card when the register hole passes beneath the star wheel. This relationship of register hole and first scanning hole is indicated in Fig. 2.

'I'he operation of the sequence switch is as follows2-Before entry of a card for scanning, lift magnet 24 is energized and lifts the free end of lever 3| so that star wheel 33 is withheld from contact with the scanning belt. The contacts of sequence switch 22 are then open, and no potential is applied to the photo-cell. (See Fig. 4.) When the card is inserted, the contacts of card switch 2| are forced apart, lift magnet 24 is deenergized, and star wheel 33 is lowered into contact with the scanning belt. When the register hole passes beneath star wheel 33, the leading point of the star wheel drops through the hole and is caught by the edge of one of the grooves. The rotation oi the sprocket wheel carries the point of the star wheel backwards, rotating star wheel 33 one quarter turn counter-clockwise as viewed. Cam 34, fixed to the shaft of star wheel 33, is likewise rotated one quarter turn, and permits the contacts of sequence switch 22 to close, thus `applying potential to photo-cell I2. The scanning of the card then ensues. At the end of the scanning, which constitutes one revolution of the scanning belt, the register hole again passes beneath the star wheel, the star wheel is tripped, cam 34 opens the contacts of switch 22, and potential is removed from the photo-cell. Shortly thereafter, the card is ejected from the transmitter by means not shown but preferably coordinated with the scanning belt so that the card is automatically and positively ejected at the proper point of the scanning cycle, permittingthe contacts of card switch 2I to close, energizing lift magnet 24 which lifts star wheel 33 away from the scanning belt. Upon the insertion of another card, the cycle of operations just described is repeated. It is thus seen that the cooperation of the card switch and sequence switch provide the proper safeguards in the scanning process.

Referring to Fig. 4, the principal components of the sending apparatus of the transmitter consist of photo-cell I2, electronic-relay 40, cut-out relay 4I associated therewith, battery 23, line transformer 43, and line 44. Electronic-relay 4I) is preferably of the gaseous discharge or gridglow type, having a plate 40a, grid 40h, and cathode 40o all enclosed in a glass envelope in the usual manner. Photo-cell I2 may be any suitable type of light reactive device, and is shown in the conventional manner as consisting of an anode I2a and cathode I2c. `Battery 23, or other source of direct current, furnishes a positive potential to the anodes of the electronicrelay and photo-cell. Photo-cell I2 is connected in the cathode-grid circuit of the electronic relay, and a trip-circuit consisting of cam switch I9 and current limiting resistor 45 are connected in parallel therewith. The function of cam switch I9 is to trip electronic relay 40 for an instant during each revolution of drive sprocket I5. Sequence switch 22 is connected in series with photo-cell I2, rendering the same ineffective when its contacts are open. Capacitor 42 has a stabilizing effect on the electronic relay. The plate-cathode circuit of electronic relay 40 includes battery 23, the primary of line transformer 43, and the winding of cut-o relay 4I.

The operation of the sending apparatus is as followsz--Considering rst the generation of synchronizing signals, when cam I3 closes switch I3, the potential of grid 40h is raised by reason 'of being momentarily connected to the positive side of battery 23. As is well known, raising the grid of a grid-glow tube to a positive potential trips the tube, i. e., causes it to become ionized, the tube becomes conducting, and a markedly increased plate current flows. In the present instance, the increased plate current flows through the primary of line transformer 43 and an impulse is sent to the line. As the plate current approaches its maximum, cut-off relay 4I is energized, opening its contacts and cutting off the plate current. 'I'he current flow is interrupted for a period sufllcient for the electronic relay to de-ionize. Meanwhile, contacts I9 have opened, restoring grid 40h to its normal potential.

' mounted on drive shaft 52.

Considering now the sending of printing signals, it is to be assumed that a record card is in position i'or scanning, and that the contacts of sequence switch 22 are closed. When a scanninghole moves into coincidence with a punched hole on the card, a light beam passes from light source Il to photo-cell I2, energizing same. As is well known, the eifect of increased light striking a photo-cell is to decrease its resistance. Hence the potential of grid 4Ilb is raised, since the anode I2a of the photo-cell is connected to the positive side of battery 23. Electronic relay 40 is thus tripped, a current impulse is generated in its platecircuit, and a signal is sent to the line as previously described. The current impulse is terminated by the cut-oil relay as in the previous c'ase, hence the synchronizing signals and printing signals are of like duration and amplitude. It is to be noted, however, that while the synchronizing signals are periodic, the printing signals are aperiodic, the time of their occurrence being established by the position of the punched holes in the record card.

Referring now to Fig. 6, in which the mechanism of the receiving printer, termed the reprinter, is shown. Drive motor 50, of uniform speed characteristics, drives drive shaft 52 through reduction gear 5I whereby the drive shaft is caused to rotate at the same speed as sprocket wheel I5 at the transmitter. In the system described, it is essential that the type wheel 53, and other elements of mechanism concerned with the printing function move in synchronism with the scanning mechanism, that is to say, it must move at the same rate, and with a particular phase relationship thereto. Type wheel 53 and the other synchronous elements are therefore carried on printer sleeve 54, rotatably Intermediate drive shaft 52 and printer sleeve 54 is phase corrector mechanism 55, including a friction coupling not shown. Printer sleeve 54 can be stopped while drive shaft 52 is in rotation by armature 56a of release magnet 56 engaging stop arm 54a. Also, while in rotation, printer sleeve 54 can be rotated relative to drive shaft 52 by phase corrector mechanism 55 which functions to advance or retardthe phase of printer sleeve 54 with respect to shaft 52 in accordance with the synchronizing impulses, to thereby maintain the sleeve in synchronism with the scanning mechanism. While any suitable form of phase corrector mechanism may be used, the preferred form'for use with the mechanism of the invention is that described in myy co-pending application Ser. No. 736,383.

Printer sleeve 54 carries a series of ve ixed sequence cams, designated by 51a to 51d inclusive, worm 5B, paper-feed cam 59, and type wheel 53. Type wheel 53 is splined on printer sleeve 54, i. e. it is slidable axially thereon but is fixed as to rotation by a groove and key, or other preferred construction. Printer sleeve 54 is secured in frictional driving relation on drive shaft 52 by washer 6I and nut 52, the latter also serving to adjust the pressure on the friction coupling.

The method of synchronizing printer sleeve 54 is as foliowst-In the absence of synchronizing signals, release magnet 56 is un-energized, and its armature 55a drops away, intercepting stop arm 54a and stopping sleeve 54 in a predetermined position in which cam 51h closes contacts 61h, the drive shaft being permitted to continue in rotation by reason of the friction coupling. Referring now to Figs. 6 and 7, which latter shows the electrical circuits of thereprinter and the sequence cams and contacts in exploded position, and assuming that the transmitter sends synchronizing signals as previously described, whcn a synchronizing signal is received, electronic relay 15 is tripped, and current flows from positive battery via windings of magnet 55, contacts 61D, plate to cathode of electronic relay 19, via windings of cut-off relay 1| and return to negative battery. Release magnet 55 is energized by the current pulse through the circuit just traced, releasing stop arm 55a, whereupon printer sleeve 54 is placed in rotation at the speed of drive shaft 52 by means of the friction coupling. Co-incidentally, cut-off relay 1| is energized, interruptingr the flow of current in the plate circuit. Magnet 56 is provided with a storing capacitor 56e of considerable capacity, and energy stored therein provides holding current for magnet 55 during the normal interval between synchronizing impulses. Thus magnet 59 is sustained in operated position so long as synchronizing signals are regularly received; otherwise it drops out, stopping arm 54a. 'I'he corrector mechanism now operates to bring printer sleeve 5I into exact unison with the synchronizing impulses, and as will be more fully explained hereafter, thereafter corrects as necessary the phase position of sleeve 54 to maintain unison.

Referring now to Fig. 8, printing is accomplished whenever printer magnet 90 is energized, printer hammer 8| being driven towards the type wheel by the pull-in of armature 80a. The length of printer hammer 8| and the travel of armature 8|a are so regulated that printer hammer Il is carried through to the end of its stroke only by the inertia stored therein by its preceding motion. The current through magnet 8| is comparatively strong, and its inductance is low in order that armature Bla may have a quick stroke. Thus printer hammer 5| drives the tape l2 against the type wheel 53 with a sharp blow, the rebound throwing the printer hammer back quickly so as to avoid smudging the impression. A flexible extension IIb on armature Ila also lifts the fork 83 of the automatic paper feed mechanism.

In order to Iobtain characters additional to numerals without increasing the number of printing arcs, a second series of characters are provided on the type wheel parallel to and twinning with the numerals. Since the printing position is fixed, the type wheel must be moved the correct amount in an axial direction in order to print the additional characters, which for example will be referred to as signs. Since a large proportion of the printing is in numbers, one of the features of the invention is the means by which the type wheel is shifted to print signs, and automatically returned to print numerals. Thus only one line signal is required to effect shifting, while unshiftng is effected without signal, economlzing on line time. When a sign, as for example the sign, is to be recorded, the perforating machine operator depresses the shift key which automatically punches a hole at the head of a column, and then the number key having the subscript, whereupon a second hole is punched in the column at the proper numeral position. On transmission, a shift signal is transmitted by the hole at the head of the column, and a printing signal at the numeral position as usual. At the reprinter, the shift signal is received when cam 51d has closed contacts 51d, which causes shift magnet 51 to be energized by electronic relay 19. Magnet 51 pulls in pivoted amature 91a on the free end of which is a roller lib which moves into a position of engagement with a side cam 53a on type wheel 53. (See Figs. 6 and 9.) Cam 53a immediately strikes roller IIb, and type wheel 53 is shifted axially to the right as viewed in Fig. 6 and remains in this position until near the end of a revolution. While so shifted, the printing signal is received at the proper instant, the printing hammer 8| is actuated in the manner already described, and is printed. Near the end of the revolution, side cam 53h on the other edge of type wheel 53 engages stationary roller B5 and the type wheel is cammed back to its normal position.

The tape feed mechanism (see Figs. 6, 7 and 8) comprises a rachet wheel 90, idler rollers 9|, pawl lever 92, feed cam 59 (carried on printer sleeve 5I), pawl holding magnet 93, control switch 94, and operating means for the control switch presently to be described. Tractile spring 95 normally holds pawl lever 92 in engagement with cam 59, and pawl 92a successively engages the teeth of rachet wheel 90, advancing the tape one step for each revolution of feed cam 59. The advance of the tape occurs in a non-printing interval, that is between the scanning of one column and the next. 'I'he tape is drawn along by a light friction, so that the tape can slip a trifle during the instant of printing thus avoiding blurring on the type wheel. Furthermore, the tape can be pulled out and torn off at will.

The control of the tape feed is as follows:- Printer sleeve 5I carries worm 58 which is in continuous rotation. Control arm 96, pivoted on support 91, is movable sideways and upwards, but is drawn to the left and downwards by tractile spring 9|. A pin 95a at the free end of arm 96 engages worm 5l, thereby moving the control arm to the right against the action of the tractile spring. When arm 96 is moved to the extreme right, a knob 96h closes contacts 94. Normally, however, printer magnet 50 is energized before arm 9S reaches the point of closing contacts 94, and arm 95 is raised by fork 53 and returned to the left by the tractile spring. Thus arm 96 is continually returned to the left position during the printing interval, contacts 94 remain open, and cam 59 once each revolution advances the ratchet wheel one tooth, feeding the tape the proper amount for printing. If a column on the record card has no punched hole, the tape is advanced one notch, leaving a blank. Therefore, no paper feed or space signal is required. When the printing signals cease for an interval longer than that required for 5 or 6 revolutions of worm 59, arm 95 reaches its extreme right position, contacts 94 are closed, and holding magnet 93 is energized. When cam 59 next oscillates pawl lever 92, this lever is retained by holding magnet 93, and the pawl is not permitted to gather in the next tooth of the rachet. Magnet 93 is provided with a storing capacitor 93a so that pawl lever 92 will not be released by a momentary opening of contacts 94 due to the irregular nature of the worm thread end. Feeding of the tape thus ceases five or six spaces after the printing of the last character, and is not resumed until a printing signal is received to release arm 99. The several spaces at the end of the printing provide a lengthened space between messages, and provide room for tearing oil' the tape.

It will be clear that the feature just described has the multiple advantages of not requiring a spacing signal, of obtaining the energy for the tape feed from the motor, thus avoiding the need anni for a powerful paper feed magnet, provides a lengthened space between messages, and conserves tape when printing signals are not being received.

Fig. l shows a sample of the tape with an illustrative message.

Referring again to Fig. 7, the sequence of operations of the printer cams is as followsz-Considering the operations as they occur in order from the initiation of a scanning cycle, cam 51a closes contacts 61a momentarily Just before the synchronizing signal is due. If the reprinter is running slow, the synchronizing impulse will in part be applied through the circuit from positiveA battery through winding of magnet MI v'ia contacts 81a, electronic relay 10, through winding of cut-off relay 1I, and return to negative battery. MI .will thus be energized, actuating the phase corrector mechanism which during the succeeding revolution of printer sleeve 54 will advance its phase a predetermined amount, thus restoring perfect unison.

Cam' 51h closes contacts BIb just as contacts 61a open, hence part of the synchronizing impulse will pass through the circuit including release magnet 5.6, whose storing capacitor 56a will be recharged, sustaining magnet 56 in the operated condition.

Cam 51e closes contacts 61e just as contacts llb open, hence if the printer sleeve were running slightly fast, corrector magnet M2 would be energized, causing the phase corrector mechanism to retard the phase of the printer sleeve a predetermined amount, thus restoring unison. Normally, when the reprinter is in unison with the transmitter, the entire synchronizing impulse goes to restore the charge on capacitor 56a.

Shortly after contacts 6'Ic open, cam 51d closes the contacts 61d. Should a shift signal be received at this moment, shift magnet 81 would be energized, and the typewheel 53 shifted as previously described. Should there be no shift signal, electronic relay 10 is not tripped, hence shift magnet 81 would not be energized.

After being closed for a brief interval, contacts 61d open and contacts 61e, which up until this time have been open, are closed by cam 51e, to remain closed during the remainder of the printing cycle. Should a printing signal be received, printer magnet 80 is momentarily energized before cut-01T relay 1I interrupts the circuit, and a character is printed as previously described. Since the proper unison, asprovided for, typewheel 53 rotates in step with the scanning of the record card, the character printed will correspond with that punched inthe record card.

It is to be noted that the operating impulses at the printer are controlled in duration by the cut-off relay 1I, which is provided with suitable timing arrangements. Thus the duration of the operating impulses is'independent of the received signals to a considerable extent, and the printing impulses can be timed so as to provide a margin of operation, termed the synchronizing margin. It is further to be noted that the cam operated contact arrangement is the equivalent of the rotary distributor commonly used in synchronous printing telegraph systems. A rotary distributor could in fact be substituted for the cam operated contact arrangement without changing the mode of operation of the system as described, the arrangement shown being preferred because of its simplicity and small size.

In the foregoing description, the reprinter has been described as a typewheel, tape printer.

Other forms of receiving apparatus may be used, as for example, a reperi'orator may be employed as the receiving instrument, the received record taking the form of a punched tabulating card similar to the transmitting record card.

In case the data on the record card is indicated by marks or dots, rather than punched holes, the scanning elements of Fig. 3 are prefv erably rearranged so that the photo-cell is actuated by reilected rather than direct light. For example, in Fig. l1 which illustrates an embodiment adapted to scanning by reflection, the record card I is stationed on inclined table I1 below scanning belt 2 in such relation to photo-cell I2 that light passing from light source II through scanning hole 2a and falling upon record card I will be reflected to the sensitive surface of photocell I2, as indicated. Thus as scanning belt 2 moves through a scanning cycle, a moving spot of light passes sequentially over the field of the record card, and the light link from light source II to photo-cell I2 is varied in accordance with the reflected light. In the event the field of the record is light in color, as for example white, and the record marks dark, as for example black, the photo-cell I2 will normally receive maximum light when the scanning spot is passing between record marks, and reduced light when passing over a record mark. By well known means, the photo-cell may be caused to trip the electronic relay on a reduction, rather than an increase of received light, as required in the instant case.

While the methods herein described and the forms of apparatus for carrying these methods into effect, constitute preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise methods and forms of apparatus, and that changes may be made in either without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a communication system of the character described, a record card containing intelligence in the form of arbitrary indications arranged in predetermined coded position thereon, a transmitter, means i'or causing operation of said transmitter to effect transmission of impulses timed in accordance with the position of said indications, and a receiving printer, and means controlled by said timed impulses for eilfecting predetermined operation of said receiving printer to record said intelligence in printed form corresponding with the original record card. Y

2. In a communication system of the character described, in combination, a record card containing intelligence in the form of arbitrary indications arranged in predetermined coded position, there being a separate indication for each character to be transmitted arranged distinctively as means and said indications on said card, and signal transmission means including means for transmitting a reference signal and means including said light reactive means for transmitting a signal in predetermined timed relation with said reference signal and indicative of an indication in predetermined position upon said card.

4. lIn automatic telegraph transmitters, a record card containing intelligence in the form of arbitrarily arranged indications, there being a separate indication for each character to be transmitted arranged distinctively as to position on said card, scanning means for said card, and means controlled by said scanning means for transmitting said intelligence in the form oi a timed impulse corresponding to each of' said indications.

5. In automatic telegraph transmitters, in combination, a card containing intelligence in the form of arbitrary indications arranged in predetermined coded position thereon, scanning means for said card, light actuated means responsive to the cooperation of said card and said scanning means, signal transmission means controlled by said light actuated means and including means to initiate discrete and timed impulses corresponding to the indications scanned, and means for assuring a predetermined order of scanning of said card.

6. In automatic telegraph transmitters, in combination, a card containing intelligence in the form of arbitrary indications arranged in predetermined coded position, scanning means for said card, iight actuated means responsive to the cooperation of said card and said scanning means for generating aperiodic printing signals, and means controlled by the light responsive means to initiate discrete and timed impulses representing the signals corresponding to the indications scanned and additional means for generating periodic synchronizing signals.

7. In automatic telegraph transmitters, in combination, a card containing intelligence in the form of arbitrary indications arranged in predetermined coded position, scanning means adapted to scan said card containing a plurality of said indications, said scanning means including a scanning belt provided with a series of scanning apertures in echelon arrangement, drive means for said scanning belt, a light source, light reactive means actuated in response to the cooperation oi' said scanning apertures and said indications, means for transmitting reference signals, and means for transmitting signals having predetermined relation to said reference signals upon actuation oi' said light reactive means.

8. In automatic transmitters, in combination, a light source, a perforated record card containing intelligence in the form of holes arranged in predetermined coded position, scanning means arranged to scan the surface of said card containing a plurality of said holes, and light reactive means actuated in response to the establishment of a light link from said light source to said light reactive means, and means controlling the energization of said light reactive means for assuring scanning of said card in predetermined sequence.

9. In automatic transmitters, a record card containing intelligence in the form of arbitrary indications arranged in predetermined coded position, o. light source, scanning means, light reactive means cooperating with said scanningmeans and actuated in response to the scanning of said indications, a source of electrical energy,

electronic relay means adapted to be ionized in response to actuation oi' said light reactive means and to thereafter remain ionized independently of said light reactive means, and means for interrupting the ilow of current from said source of energy through said electronic relay means after ionization by said light reactive means.

l0. In automatic transmitters, the combination of claim 9 and independent means adapted to ionize the electronic relay of claim 9.

11. In apparatus oi.' the character described, in combination, a record card containing intelligence in the form of arbitrary indications arranged in predetermined coded position, a scanning means for said card, light reactive means responsive to the cooperation oi' said indications and said scanning means, and control means for said light reactive means adapted to render said light reactive means eifective only during a predetermined sequence of scanning the record card.

l2. In a synchronous transcribing system, a record card containing data in the form of holes punched in predetermined positions, scanning means for said record card, means for generating aperiodic signal impulses responsively to the cooperation of said scanning means and said record card, means for generating periodic synchronizing signal impulses related in time to said scanning means, transmission means for said periodic and aperiodic signal impulses and synchronous receiving means adapted to translate said signal impulses into record form.

13. The method of transmitting statistical data which comprises placing the data in the form of arbitrary indications arranged in predetermined coded position on a record card, scanning said card, generating aperiodic signal impulses responsively to the scanning of said record card and the position of said indications thereon, transmitting said impulses, and translating said aperiodic signal impulses into record form.

14. In telegraph printers, in combination, a. synchronous element, constant speed drive means therefor, a plurality of circuit closing means carried by said synchronous element, synchronizing means including said circuit closing means for controlling the driving of said synchronous element from said driving means, a typewheel carried by said synchronous element, a. tape for recording purposes, printing means, tape feed means adapted to feed and space the tape as required during printing intervals, and means for terminating the tape feeding operation a predetermined time after the ceasing of printing signals.

15. In telegraph printers having a printer sleeve, the combination of a cam carried by said printer sleeve, step by step tape feed means actuated by said cam, and control means for said tape feed means for operating said tape feed means during printing intervals, and for continuing the operation of said tape feeding means for only a predetermined limited time following a printing operation.

16. In telegraph printers, a synchronous printer element, a type wheel carried thereby and slidable axially between a normal and an alternative position, and shift means for said type wheel adapted to shift said type wheel to said alternative position at the beginning of the cycle of operation of said printer element, said type wheel remaining in said alternative position during said cycle of operation independently of said shift means, and means operable at the end oi said cycle ot operation for returning said type wheel to its normal position.

17. In telegraph printers, an electronic relay including a plate. and cathode and ionizable in response to received signals, a plurality of branch circuits in the plate-cathode circuit of said electronic relay, each branch circuit including the operating winding of a magnet, a synchronous printer element carrying a type wheel, and a plurality of circuit closing means carried by said l synchronous printer element and adapted to close said branch circuits in predetermined sequence.

18. 'Ihe combination of claim 17, and means independent of the circuit closing means for terminating the current in the plate-cathode circuit l o! said. electronic relay upon ionization after a predetermined interval.

19. In automatic transmitters, in combination, a card containing intelligence in the form of arbitrary indications arranged in predetermined coded position, scanning means for said card, control means for assuring a predetermined order of scanning oi said card, and means actuated by said card to initiate operation of said control means when said record card is in proper position for scanning.

20. A system for transmitting statistical data comprising a card having said data arranged thereon in the form of arbitrarily positioned indications, an electronic relay ionizable in response to received signals, a plurality of branch circuits controlled by said electronic relay. a synchronous printer element adapted to print desired intelligence corresponding to said indications, means for closing said branch circuits in predetermined sequence. and means other than said circuit closing means for terminating the current through said electronic relay upon ionization after a predetermined interval.

21. In telegraph printers, a typewheel adapted to be moved into two alternative printing positions, and shift means for said typewheel for shifting said wheel into one printing position in response to a received shift signal. and means forreturning said typewheel to the other printing position independently of received signals.

HARRY J. NICHOLS. 

